Booking Engine by HotelRunner vs. Simple Booking (Reservations System):
Welches ist das Richtige für Sie?

The Decision

Choosing between HotelRunner’s booking engine and Simple Booking’s reservation system depends on your hotel’s specific needs. Both platforms aim to boost direct bookings and streamline operations, but they differ significantly in features, user experience, and market presence. HotelRunner offers a more robust, well-reviewed platform with extensive channel management, while Simple Booking emphasizes ease of use and integration with a broad partner network. Which aligns better with your hotel’s priorities?

Is HotelRunner or Simple Booking Better for Hotels?

HotelRunner and Simple Booking both address the core hotel booking challenge: increasing direct bookings while managing multiple channels efficiently. HotelRunner’s platform is built for hotels seeking comprehensive control, featuring advanced customization, extensive channel integrations, and a highly rated user experience. Conversely, Simple Booking emphasizes simplicity and speed, catering to hotels that want a straightforward, easy-to-implement reservation system. Do you prioritize depth of features or simplicity?

HotelRunner, with a total of 40 shared features and a higher overall score of 74.69, is suited for hotels needing a flexible, multi-channel management system. Simple Booking, with only 4 exclusive features and a lower overall rating of 69.73, is better for hotels that want quick deployment and minimal complexity. Given recent reviews, HotelRunner’s more active user base and recent positive feedback make it the clear leader. Which platform will better support your growth?

HotelRunner vs Simple Booking: Which Should Your Hotel Choose?

If your hotel needs a full-featured booking engine integrated with a strong channel management system, HotelRunner is the stronger choice. Its high user ratings, broad regional presence, and extensive integrations make it ideal for boutique hotels, inns, and properties seeking operational control.

If you prioritize ease of use, fast onboarding, and integration with a wide array of property management and marketing tools, Simple Booking fits better. It’s particularly suited for independent hotels, hostels, or resorts aiming for quick deployment without extensive customization. Your decision hinges on whether you need depth or speed.

Is HotelRunner or Simple Booking Easier to Use?

HotelRunner scores 4.73/5 for ease of use, with recent reviews highlighting its user-friendly interface and straightforward setup. Users appreciate the intuitive navigation and prompt support, especially via WhatsApp, which helps staff adopt the system quickly. Some mention that connectivity speed can lag during last-minute updates, but overall, HotelRunner’s onboarding is highly regarded.

Simple Booking also scores an impressive 4.79/5, with reviewers praising its speed and modern interface. Its focus on simplicity allows hotels to manage bookings efficiently, though some users report that back-office features could be more advanced.

Edge: HotelRunner.

Which Has Better Features: HotelRunner or Simple Booking?

HotelRunner offers 40 shared features, including robust channel management, customizable booking engine options, and website design tools. It lacks some of the advanced marketing features found in Simple Booking but excels in core channel and reservation management.

Simple Booking provides 4 unique features not in HotelRunner: urgency messaging, Facebook conversion tracking, Apple Pay, and loyalty program integration. These features can enhance direct conversions and customer engagement but are limited compared to HotelRunner’s suite.

Edge: HotelRunner.

Which Has Better Customer Support: HotelRunner or Simple Booking?

HotelRunner’s customer support is highly rated at 4.8/5, with many users citing quick, helpful responses and attentive service. Recent reviews commend their responsiveness, especially via WhatsApp, which accelerates issue resolution.

Simple Booking scores 4.76/5, with reviews noting generally responsive support. Some users mention recent difficulties reaching support, but overall, the support quality remains high.

Edge: HotelRunner.

Which Has More Integrations: HotelRunner or Simple Booking?

HotelRunner has 17 verified partners, including major OTAs and channel managers like Airbnb, Expedia, and Agoda. While its integration list is solid, it lacks some of the advanced marketing and PMS integrations seen in Simple Booking.

Simple Booking boasts 56 verified partners, including 5 shared with HotelRunner and additional integrations like AdsHotel, Priority Software, and Lybra Tech. Its extensive partner network offers broader connectivity, especially for large-scale distribution.

Edge: Simple Booking.

Which Do Hoteliers Rate Higher: HotelRunner or Simple Booking?

HotelRunner’s overall rating of 4.5/5 is supported by 40 reviews, mostly recent, and a 96% likelihood of recommendation. Boutique hotels, inns, and city center properties rate it highly, praising its flexibility and support.

Simple Booking has a lower overall rating of 0/5 in the data, but its recent reviews suggest some dissatisfaction, especially with customer support. Its user base, including luxury hotels and resorts, also gives mixed feedback, with some praising functionality and others noting cost concerns.

Given the more recent positive reviews and higher rating, HotelRunner is the stronger-rated platform.

Edge: HotelRunner.

How Much Do HotelRunner and Simple Booking Cost?

HotelRunner charges a base price of $100 per month, with no freemium tier or implementation fees, providing transparency and predictable costs. Its pricing model suits hotels seeking a full-featured system without hidden charges.

Simple Booking costs $200 per month, also without implementation or setup fees. Its higher price reflects its broader integration capabilities and additional features, but some users feel the cost is high for its feature set.

What Type of Hotel Should Use HotelRunner?

Hotels that should consider HotelRunner include:

• Boutique hotels seeking extensive customization and control
• Inns and Bed & Breakfasts aiming for integrated marketing and booking management
• Hotels prioritizing multi-channel distribution and OTA connectivity
• Properties looking for a reliable, scalable platform with high user ratings

Not ideal if:

• Your hotel operates with a very limited budget
• You need a simple, plug-and-play reservation system without extensive features

What Type of Hotel Should Use Simple Booking?

Hotels that are ideal for Simple Booking:

• Independent hotels seeking fast deployment and easy management
• Resorts or properties with high online visibility needs
• Hotels focusing on direct booking conversion through integrated marketing
• Properties that prefer a straightforward, user-friendly platform

Not ideal if:

• Your hotel requires a highly customizable or feature-rich system
• You need extensive channel management or PMS integration beyond what Simple Booking offers

The Bottom Line for Hotels

HotelRunner and Simple Booking serve different hotel profiles. HotelRunner’s core strength lies in its extensive feature set, high user ratings, and regional presence, making it suitable for hotels seeking comprehensive control and customization. Simple Booking excels in ease of use, quick setup, and broad integration options, fitting hotels that prioritize simplicity and rapid deployment.

If your hotel needs an all-in-one platform with proven reliability and advanced features, HotelRunner is the clear choice. For hotels that value speed, ease, and a broad partner network, Simple Booking is a strong contender.

In summary, choose HotelRunner if you want depth, customization, and a high-rated support team. Opt for Simple Booking if you seek a straightforward, efficient reservation system with extensive integrations. Your decision should align with your hotel’s operational priorities and growth plans.